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Classifier Examples in ASL

Classifiers in ASL provide additional information about nouns and verbs through designated handshapes and body movements. Common classifiers include handshapes representing people, vehicles, locations, round/flat objects, thin objects, legs, and pouring motions. Classifiers describe attributes like size, shape, manner, and location to enrich the meaning of signs.

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120 views

Classifier Examples in ASL

Classifiers in ASL provide additional information about nouns and verbs through designated handshapes and body movements. Common classifiers include handshapes representing people, vehicles, locations, round/flat objects, thin objects, legs, and pouring motions. Classifiers describe attributes like size, shape, manner, and location to enrich the meaning of signs.

Uploaded by

gavinhagerty709
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CLASSIFIERS IN ASL

ASL 1
WHAT ARE CLASSIFIERS?

● Classifiers are designated handshapes and/or rule- grounded


body pantomime used to nouns and verbs.
● The purpose of Classifiers is to provide additional
information about nouns and verbs such as:
○ Location
○ Kind of action
○ Size
○ Shape
○ Manner
CLASSIFIER 1 (CL:1)
❑ The 1 handshape classifier can be used for various things.
❑ Example: It could be used to show a person walking or, it could be used
to describe a an object: knife, pencil, stick.
❑ This classifier can also be to explain the width/how skinny an object is
CLASSIFIER 3 (CL:3)

● The 3 handshape classifier is extremely common. This is typically used for


vehicles.
● Example, if signing CAR one could also add the CL:3 to explain the
movement of the vehicle
● CL:3 can be used for cars, trucks, and motorcycles
CLASSIFIER 4 (CL:4)
● The 4 handshape expands on the amount of something in formation
or the description of a characteristic/object.
● Example: Many people standing in a line may be used by two CL:4
handshapes. Your dominant hand moving in a forward direction in
front of the passive hand. The passive hand continues but in the
opposite direction.
The CL:4 can also describe the shape/pattern of objects.
For example, the CL:4 can be used to:
○ Curtains - starting front of body, a downward motion with both
hands
CLASSIFIER 5 (CL:5)
● The 5 handshape classifier represents the large amount of
people/things.
● Example: both hands making CL:5 can be used to show a
crowd of many people.
● Depending on the directional movement you could be
describing traffic or an audience at a theater
CLASSIFIER 8 (CL:8)

This 8 handshape classifier typically is used for showing


the action of kicking.

This could be kicking of a soccer ball.


The 8 handshape can also expand on the concept of
showing explosions!
CLASSIFIER A (CL:A)
The A handshape represents object placements. It could represent a
building, or a house.
Example: Signing HOUSE, then use the CL:A to setup visually
where the house was located
CLASSIFIER B (CL:B)

● The B handshape can be used in a “flat” way. This means that


CL:B focuses on describing things that typically are flat.
● Example: tables, shelves, and paper.
● CL:B can also explain something flat moving forward
● The CL:B also can be used to expand on the dimensions of a
wall.
CLASSIFIER C (CL:C)/ CLASSIFIER C MODIFIED

▪ The C handshape helps describe the round shape of an object,


or the thickness of an object
▪ Example: a thick stack of paper
▪ Classifier C modified is a similar shape to CL:C. It is used to
indicate how round, flat, or thick something can be.
CLASSIFIER F (CL:F)

● The F handshape shows objects that are small


and round in size. It also shows specific eye
movements.
● Example: coins, buttons, and, eye rolling
CLASSIFIER G (CL:G)
● The G handshape can be used to show
how thin something is or to describe
small objects.
● Example: how a book is thin, or a picture
frame design that is thin
CLASSIFIER I (CL:I)

● The I handshape helps describe objects


that are thin and long
● The CL:I can describe outlines, borders,
even the use of small intricate paint
brushes
CLASSIFIER L (CL:L)

● The L handshape describes flat objects or can be used to


show square shaped objects
● Example: an envelope or letter could use the L handshape
CLASSIFIER V (CL:V)

● The V handshape typically is used to represent legs.


● The CL:V can show movement as in walking, or being in a
standing position.
CLASSIFIER R (CL:R)

● The R handshape represents things that are twisted or rope like.


● Example: hair braids, and ropes would be described with an R
handshape.
CLASSIFIER S (CL:S)

● The S handshape can represent round objects, or the


act of pulling something.
● Example: a person’s head can be used with CL:S
● Example: an individual pulling on a rope, or
opening drawers
CLASSIFIER X (CL:X)
● The X handshape shows objects that are curved/bent.
● Example: showing the biopsy process
● The modified version of CL:X is a closed x handshape. This is
typically used to show an individual holding onto small
objects.
● Example: writing with a pencil, and flossing
CLASSIFIER Y (CL:Y)

● The Y handshape represents things that are commonly wide,


as well as things/objects that can be poured
● Example: syrup being poured uses the CL:Y

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